Soulful

That was the word Sharon used to describe the images she wanted of her children. Soulful, timeless black+whites. She took me to her and her family's favourite chill out spot, nicknamed Brekky Rock as they sometimes take their breakfast down there and just relax and enjoy each others company.

Sometimes the planets align to bring a session like this to fruition. Beautiful kids who knew exactly what their Mum wanted and were open to trying something new for me; a stunning location (right outside my back door, and one that I will definitely visit again); and a burning intensity inside me to create some of the most amazing images I have ever created so far.

To say that I am happy with these images is an understatement. They are, quite seriously, some of my most favourite photographs I have ever captured. Ever.

Enjoy these Sharon. And I extend a deep thanks to you for sharing your special spot with me. I promise to look after it xxx

Oscar

Hello friends! The blog has been a bit quiet of late... because I've been so busy! We've had Easter, birthdays, weddings and all manner of craziness in this house lately, it feels like I've finally had a chance just this week to sit down and get a blog post ready.

So here is little Oscar. He was the sweetest little man, and even though he was teething and - according to Mum and Dad - quite miserable, I still thought he was a divine little dude. I had a bunch of fun hanging out with him on a sunny Autumn afternoon.

His Mum and Dad's house (backyard in particular) was so gorgeous and quirky, and I could have spent many more hours exploring and photographing their knick-knacks, but they weren't real great for a 6 month old to explore, so I've promised to come back when he's a bit older and have some great adventures with him!

Casting Call - family #1

Meet Sarah and Paul and their 2 little munchkins, the first photoshoot for our recent casting call!

We had a really special morning chilling out at Coburg Lake, feeding the ducks, playing in the playground and hanging out together. This is what I love about my new lifestyle photoshoots... I feel like I'm part of the family, enjoying getting to know families in a much more holistic way than previously. I spent a couple of hours with these guys, but we could have quite easily have kept going for another 2.

Considering the fam had just come home from a trip to NZ the night before and were a bit jetlagged and on NZ time still, the kids were in fabulous spirits and never stopped running the whole time I was there (especially Alice!)... I do hope they both had a restful afternoon.

Thanks again Sarah and Paul, for answering the casting call for families. Enjoy your preview x

Firstly, just as we started, we had a short sharp shower - so we all huddled undercover while it passed!

 How cool is this bridge?

Ring-a-ring-rosie!

Oh! These park benches were like banana lounges!

So, mum forgot the bread for the ducks. But no matter! There was Cruskits! And not many ducks!

Off to the playground.

Thomas!

Little Thomas is 3 months old, and cute as a button! The most amazing soulful eyes, gorgeous cluck-inducing smiles, and just so full of light. I really enjoyed spending a good couple of hours chilling out with him at home with his Mum and Dad... I can't think of a better way to spend a Monday morning.

There is something so so special about watching first time parents with their children. The sense of wonder, and overwhelming love they exude just melts me. Brooke and Trav, I loved meeting your little dude, and I loved seeing you guys just mesmerised by him. Enjoy these x

Sisters

I've talked before about the special bond that sisters share, and having two myself I can testify to that first hand. My sisters are my best friends. We share everything, laugh and fight. But we love each other wildly.

These two gorgeous little beans are going to grow up with a similar bond, you can already tell. I photographed Asher back in 2009 when she was teeny tiny, and when I went back for a visit last week I almost thought I was in the wrong house. She's grown up so much (as babies tend to do, I guess) and her big sis India has as well!

Their last session is here: Asher and India 2009

Last time we used the quaint little steps in the backyard to get some "still" shots of a very active toddler. This time it was the only way to get "still" shots of two gorgeous sisters together.

This is my first attempt at a more lifestyle shoot. Following the kids, allowing them to be themselves. I really enjoy the freedom in shooting this way, and it is the way I plan to shoot all my family sessions from now on. Let me know in the comments section what you think!

Thanks again Rachel for welcoming me into your home. I have so many gorgeous photos of your girls (and your bunny) for you, I couldn't keep the preview to just a few. Enjoy these and I'll be in touch soon xxx

India showing me how clever she is at pulling faces. I didn't encourage her. Much.

  And then we started to get tired, so headed inside for a story before bed...

Update on the Casting Call

EDIT>>> We're all systems go! Everything is now A-ok. Website, email, everything! Yay!

Hello friends... I've received some beautiful applications for the casting call posted a couple of weeks ago! Unfortunately my website (and consequently, my emails) are now down due to changing web hosting! Which is a massive pain in the bum, as you can imagine.

SO, if you have contacted me in the last 4 days or so, chances are I haven't received it. Please private message me on Facebook if you would like me to consider you as the face of Relic Imagery 2011! My personal Facebook page is here:
http://www.facebook.com/mandy.campbell

And a reminder that there is only a week or so more to get your entries in. I will be closing this off mid-March to allow time for the shoots!

Thanks for your understanding during this annoying changeover period. But hopefully very very soon, the new website will be up and running!

Gorgeous Miah, from a recent session!

Details for the Casting Call can be found here:

http://relicimagery.blogspot.com/2011/02/casting-call.html

Casting Call!

The big casting call for 2011! I'm taking this baby way left of where I've ever gone before and need some beautiful, soulful, incredible people to be my newest 2011 models. You don't need to look like like a supermodel, you don't need to have the most stylish wardrobe. But you do need to be full of life, full of energy and ready to have fun.

As a thank you, the 3 successful casting applicants will receive all the gallery images as low res files, suitable for printing to 6x4 as well as a new Digital Package that I will be releasing to the public soon. They will also receive a 15% discount on any further prints they decide to purchase, although there is no obligation to purchase at all.

There are some requirements that I ask of all applicants and these guidelines must be adhered to or the provision of images will be forfeit. T&Cs are listed below.

I'll be taking applications until mid-March so email comps@relicimagery.com.au and don't forget to attach a recent photo of you and your family!

Terms and Conditions:

1. All applicants must be willing to sign a Copyright and Model Release form, which allows Relic Imagery the irrevocable right to use the images for any marketing purpose they see fit.
2. This is an casting call and does not involve chance. All applications will be considered, but as the images will be used for advertising purposes the final decision will be based on which family/couple suits the style of shoot that Relic Imagery is hoping to achieve.
3. Sessions must be held before the end of April, and no later, and at a time that is suitable for Relic Imagery. If the successful family cannot be available for a session before the end of April, the session will be offered to another family.
4. Sessions must be held in metro Melbourne or a travel fee will apply.
5. All discounts and redemptions must be claimed within 2 weeks of the gallery being made available (typically 2 weeks after the initial session). If they have not been claimed by this time the provision of images will be forfeit.
6. All ideas for sessions will be considered but the artistic control is retained by the photographer. There is no guarantee that all ideas by the client will be used.